2018 Nissan Leaf debuts with up to 241 kilometres of range

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

Nissan turns over a new leaf with its second-generation EV

by
Derek McNaughton | September 6, 2017

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LAS VEGAS — September is not only bringing a change in foliage, it’s also bringing us a whole new Leaf. The Nissan Leaf, the Japanese automaker’s fully electric car, debuted simultaneously in Japan and Las Vegas this week, finally shedding its ungainly looks.

More importantly, the range on the 2018 Leaf has been extended to 241 kilometers — well past the outgoing car’s anxiety-inducing 172. The longer range comes via a 40 kWh battery pack that powers an AC synchronous motor that now makes 147 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s up from 107 horsepower and 187 lb.-ft.

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

2018 Nissan Leaf

Derek McNaughton, Driving

Introduced in 2010, the 2018 Leaf goes on sale early in the new year with a starting price of $35,998 and will compete against the Tesla Model 3 with a standard range of 350 kilometres, the Volkswagen e-Golf with a range of 201 kilometres, and the Chevrolet Bolt with a 380-kilometre range before the batteries run out.

We’ll have a more detailed look, with driving impressions, on the Leaf later today.